Elle Fanning Receives Children Of The World Award

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Teen star Elle Fanning was hailed as a role model for children around the world at a glitzy gala in New York on Monday.

The Super 8 star and her actress sister Dakota, who was unable to attend the benefit, were picked to receive the Children of the World award for the positive example they have set for youngsters.

The gala, hosted by the Children of Chernobyl charity, marked the 25th anniversary of the Ukraine disaster and Fanning told reporters she is inspired by the courageous kids living in the aftermath of the nuclear reactor's meltdown in 1986.

She says, "I wasn't even born when all that happened. Isn't it crazy that it's still affecting the lives of kids generations later? It's sad. I think I'm being given the award as a role model to the young kids... I mean those kids are more like role models to me. They're so brave!"

Michael Douglas also presented his dad Kirk with an award at the event, which was held to raise money for the non-profit Children of Chernobyl organization, which has rescued nearly 3,000 kids from contaminated zones in the European country.